PH achieves milestone in international aviation safety

The Philippines has deposited its Instrument of Accession to the 2014 Montréal Protocol with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), marking a new milestone in its aviation safety and security framework.

The accession was completed after the Philippine domestic approval process, including the Senate’s concurrence in September 2026, according to a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga highlighted that the move demonstrates ongoing support for ICAO’s efforts to promote a safe, secure, and rules-based international civil aviation system and to address unlawful and disruptive conduct on board aircraft.

The 2014 Montréal Protocol updates the 1963 Tokyo Convention to address emerging challenges in international civil aviation, notably incidents involving unruly and disruptive passengers, by expanding jurisdiction to include the State of Landing and the State of the Operator alongside the State of Registration.

Mary Jaselle Menteer, Alternate Permanent Representative to ICAO, deposited the Instrument of Accession on behalf of the Philippines, with ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar receiving it at ICAO’s headquarters in Montréal. Salazar noted the Philippines as the 65th country to accede to the Protocol.